Sunflower Seedlings

[Daffy D]

HI

The seedlings started to show just a couple of days after planting and are now almost 6in tall now, the pots are in a semi shaded location, not full sunshine all day as I thought this may cook them.

Various other plants in the same area are doing just fine, it's just the sunflowers seem to be growing too fast to have enough strength to stand upright.

What can I do to give them some strength to stand up?

[sbk]

You could try staking them, use some branches or long sticks and gently tie them with some cotton string.

[LeungKen]

All you need to know about growing sunflowers :-

http://sunflower-guide.netfirms.com/

Happy Gardening.............

[Daffy D]

All you need to know about growing sunflowers :-

http://sunflower-guide.netfirms.com/

Happy Gardening.............

SBK - You could try staking them, use some branches or long sticks and gently tie them with some cotton string. Thought of that but thought it might keep them weak and not grow strong by themselves.

Cheers LeungKen

[Steve2UK]

All you need to know about growing sunflowers :-

http://sunflower-guide.netfirms.com/

Happy Gardening.............

SBK - You could try staking them, use some branches or long sticks and gently tie them with some cotton string. Thought of that but thought it might keep them weak and not grow strong by themselves.

Cheers LeungKen

Daffy, the key is in "gently tie" them - i.e. a loose loop around the stem (usually employing a "figure of 8" knot. That should be just enough to stop the stems flailing about too much in strong winds - as well as (obviously) not be/get so tight that it strangles the expanding stem diameter. Generally, most plants develop better with some movement - seems to strengthen the roots.

[ozzydom]

Sunflowers are usually planted direct into ground in clumps or close rows ,the close planting allows them to support each other.

Because of the height they grow to , they have a fairly large root system and will become root bound in pots.

[MJP]

Into approximately 2 US gallons of clean water, using a clean dry pestle and motor, crush to a fine powder and dissolve two Viagra. Sprinkle liberally over stem.

Right now I have your attention.

I'm desperate for Malay Grass seed.

Any one any ideas, I can't find it around Roi-Et.

Thanks

[Daffy D]

Hi

Steve I wasn't thinking of hog tying the little fellas up like a witch at the stake Just thought supporting them would not make them grow strong.

After having read through LeungKen's link it does seem to be general practice to support them so have loosely supported the with a nice smooth wooden stake and lovely soft string.

MJP With my pension money suffering from the current exchange rate I need to keep all the Viagra I can aford for my own personal use.

[MJP]

Hi

Steve I wasn't thinking of hog tying the little fellas up like a witch at the stake Just thought supporting them would not make them grow strong.

After having read through LeungKen's link it does seem to be general practice to support them so have loosely supported the with a nice smooth wooden stake and lovely soft string.

MJP With my pension money suffering from the current exchange rate I need to keep all the Viagra I can aford for my own personal use.

Oh, you encouragable old bu$$er. Don't worry, looks like a bull run about to start on the Pound.

[Steve2UK]

Hi

Steve I wasn't thinking of hog tying the little fellas up like a witch at the stake Just thought supporting them would not make them grow strong.

After having read through LeungKen's link it does seem to be general practice to support them so have loosely supported the with a nice smooth wooden stake and lovely soft string.

MJP With my pension money suffering from the current exchange rate I need to keep all the Viagra I can aford for my own personal use.

Hi Daffy,

I salute your bondage skills! Re-reading my own post now, it does come across a bit "this is how you suck an egg, grandma" .

Thinking about it, not sure why it should be cotton string? So it will rot and fall away when the stem gets muscular? I notice that our Thai hosts almost invariably use that plastic strip (like raffia) for all gardening needs - preferably in the most lurid day-glo colour you can find.... shocking pink seems a particular favourite .

I've just started a few dozen assorted sunflower seedlings (in yoghurt pots, of course ). When I transplant them into the ground (I agree they don't do well in pots), I may experiment with tying some and not tying others.

Steve

Edited May 19, 2009 by Steve2UK

[sbk]

Well, yes, cotton does biodegrade eventually but mainly because it is softer and tends to be less abrasive than the plastic stuff, which can cut into the tender stems if there is any friction. Raffia is also a good alternative.